AMISOM and aid agencies resolve to work together in Somalia

AMISOM and humanitarian organizations in Kismaayo have resolved to work together to help speed up the stabilization process in Somalia.

At a Regional Civil-Military Working Group meeting held in Kismaayo, on Sunday, officials from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and humanitarian agencies emphasized the need for stronger relations, saying cooperation was critical not only in restoring peace and stability but also ensuring the rights of residents living in conflict areas are protected.

The meeting was also attended by members of the civil society organizations operating in various parts of Somalia.

“The aim of the meeting was to improve relations between AMISOM and humanitarian actors to help bridge the gap in Somalia and ensure objectives of securing Somalia are met,” said AMISOM Humanitarian Officer, Jackson Basoronga.

Mr Basoronga described the meeting as fruitful, expressing confidence that the discussions will go a long way in improving relations.

AMISOM has launched a series of programmes aimed at improving relations between the military and civilians to help prevent radicalization and recruitment of youths by Al-Shabaab militants.

The meeting also discussed ways of aiding returning refugees settle in safe areas pacified and stabilized by AMISOM and Somali security forces.

“The other issues discussed in the meeting was how to help returnees and internally displaced persons coming back home. We also tackled the issue of disease outbreaks and how they can be prevented,” Mr Basoronga said.
Somali refugees living in neighbouring countries have begun returning home to settle in areas liberated from Al-Shabaab militants.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) about 6,000 Somalis returned home last year from Dadaab camp in Kenya, under the voluntary repatriation programme.

In November last year, the port city of Kismaayo became the first town to receive more than 100 returnees from Dadaab under the voluntary repatriation programme.

While on a visit to Kenya, last month, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia was ready to receive its citizens from the Dadaab refugee camp.

He urged the refugees to return home and participate in the process of state-building and national reconciliation.
The Kismaayo civil-military meeting also discussed ways of synchronizing humanitarian programmes initiated by AMISOM, non-governmental organizations, UN agencies and other stakeholders.